Red, Black & Blue

Paul Ryan had a black college sweetheart

Republican Vice Presidential candidate, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) speaks during the Victory Rally in Florida at Town Square, Lake Sumter Landing on August 18, 2012 in The Villages, Florida. Ryan spoke about his family's reliance on Medicare. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images)

Allegedly, Ryan said, “I have a sister-in-law who’s African-American. My college sweetheart was black.”. The Root’s Keli Goff looks at the effect that this may or may not have on black voters. She raises the question of whether or not it is “best to look at [Ryan’s] policies — such as [his] record on civil rights — rather than personal relationships”, and will this happen during the next elections?